County Derry pottery artist talks about her creative journey

On the scenic North Coast of Ireland lives Fiona Shannon, a pottery artist based in Portstewart in County Derry.

After leaving the University in 2014, she set up her pottery studio and now offers classes at the Flowerfield Centre. 

She has exhibited pottery pieces in several galleries throughout Ireland including the National Craft Gallery Kilkenny, The Cowshed Gallery Phoenix Park Dublin and The Blue Egg Gallery Wexford. 

Beyond Irish borders, her work has also graced international exhibitions such as the International Ceramics Expo in Liling, China, and Argilla Italia in Faenza, Italy.

She was rewarded for her work with the Tayto NI Craft Award, Arts Council of NI General Arts Award and was shortlisted for the DCCoI Future Makers Award.

The County Derry Post talked with Fiona about her journey to opening her own studio and her life as a potter.

(Above) Fiona finishing up a mug with a handle - Photo credit - Stillpoint photo

Have you always wanted to be a pottery artist?

“I had a keen interest in art from a young age. I don’t think I knew I would be a potter but I think I knew I would end up working in the Creative Industries. 

“After I completed my A-levels I went on to North West Regional College in Limavady to study their foundation Art Course where I got to explore lots of different areas of art and found that I enjoyed ceramics the most.”

How did you become a pottery artist?

“I graduated from Ulster University Belfast in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Contemporary Applied Art specialising in Ceramics. 

“I developed my knowledge and expertise further on the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s(DCCoI) Ceramics Skills and Design Course graduating in 2016.

“Upon graduating I set up my studio in my hometown of Portstewart in my parent’s garage with a wheel that I purchased on eBay. I didn’t have a kiln so I had to precariously transport unfired work to other potter’s kilns until I was able to afford one of my own.

“Slowly I built up my customer base and my business began to grow to a point where I was able to get a kiln and a studio of my own.”

Where do you find your inspiration?

“My work is heavily influenced by the coastline near my home.

“I currently have two collections: The Atlantic Coast Collection and the Causeway Coast Collection. The Atlantic Coast Collection was my first body of work launching in 2016, with a blue exterior and golden interiors inspired by the Atlantic Sea washing up on the shore of my local beach. 

“In 2020, I created the Causeway Coast Collection, a beautiful collection of pieces inspired by the World Famous Giant’s Causeway, a formation of hexagonal-shaped basalt rocks which is a short drive from my studio. The work is shaped to look similar to the organic forms of the rocks and is finished with a grey glaze and matt black base.”

What is your favourite pottery piece?

“My favourite thing to make is custom pieces for other local businesses. 

“Over the past few years, I have worked with a variety of businesses, cafes and restaurants such as LIR/Native Seafood, Frankie Creith Gallery, Chestnutt’s Farm, Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Brew and Bake Belfast, Habit Food and Coffee Lounge, Two Goat’s Soap and Barn Door Coffee Shop to create bespoke ceramics to showcase their product.

“I love that I get to collaborate and help showcase the amazing artisan businesses that we have right here on the North Coast.”

Was building your business challenging?

“Yes! It was and still is! I think anyone who has a small business will say that. It is the hardest but most rewarding thing that I have ever done, definitely not for the faint-hearted. 

“One thing that I think has stood by me is my training; I studied for 5 years and was trained by some of Ireland’s best potters at Ulster University and DCCoI’s Pottery Skills Course allowing me to apply the skills I have learnt in my training in my business.”

Are you often working at the Flowerfield Arts Centre? 

“I am based at Flowerfield Arts Centre which hosts a range of art workshops from glass and painting to Tai Chi and Pottery. I facilitate a number of workshops at Flowerfield for both children and adults of all abilities. 

“I really enjoy working at the centre and it is one of the highlights of being an Artist for me; seeing people reap the many benefits of participating in the arts is so rewarding.”

The Flowerfield Arts Centre released the April to June programme with multiple pottery workshops. More information is available at flowerfield.org.

Fiona also hosts private workshops, from 1-2-1 workshops through to hen parties and team building workshops.

More information is available on her website at fionashannonceramics.com/ or email fionashannonceramics@gmail.com.